? Do understand the purpose of the UC personal statement. The UC does not ask for letters of recommendation. Therefore, each campus relies on the personal statement to add clarity, depth and meaning to the student's application. Put simply, the essays help the university to know and understand you better.
? Do fill out a hard copy of the UC application. Then review it critically. Pretend to be an admissions officer. What questions may come up in the reader's mind? Have you attended different high schools? Have you been employed many hours a week? Did your grades fluctuate? For example, if a student's grades dipped during junior year and she worked many hours during the same time period, a reader might reasonably wonder: "Why did the student work so many hours at the expense of grades?" A student may work to supplement family income because a parent has lost a job. That is something an admissions reader needs to understand, and you can find a way to weave this information into your application by using the special comments section rather than one of your essays.
? Do be yourself and use your own voice. Choose a topic that highlights your strengths. This is not the time to be modest about your accomplishments. On the other hand, if you have had some problems that affected academics, you may be able to craft a personal statement to tell what you have learned and how you have grown from your experiences.
? Do be certain your essay clearly responds to the question being asked. Get feedback, revise your work and ask someone capable to proof read. Submit work that is free of spelling and grammatical errors, and uses good writing conventions.
A key component of success in college is your ability to write. For this reason, colleges want to know you as a writer. Colleges assess your writing in several ways?for example they look at your coursework and grades, especially in subjects that require a good deal of writing. As a senior in high school this fall, you probably have already taken the SAT or the ACT. The essay section of these standardized tests represents another way colleges evaluate your writing skills. However, the essay section of these tests is time and topic limited, and is somewhat formulaic regarding the required writing style. In contrast, the UC personal statements provide an opportunity to compose two personal narratives on topics of your choosing. It is well worth the time and effort to develop essays that you are proud to submit with your application.
Elizabeth LaScala Ph.D. guides college, transfer and graduate school applicants through the complex world of admissions. She develops best match college lists, offers personalized interview and essay coaching, and tools and strategies to help students tackle each step of the admissions process with confidence and success. Elizabeth helps students from all backgrounds to maximize merit and financial aid awards. Visit www.doingcollege.com; Call (925) 891-4491 or email at elizabeth@doingcollege.com
